The Rancher Who Refused to Leave: A Fukushima Story
Masami Yoshizawa hauled his radiated cows down to Tokyo, demanding that his animals be studied.
It was almost 3:00 p.m. and the highway that led back to Namie and his cattle ranch ran along the coast. Masami’s land was in the hills, away from any waves, but he had no idea if the house or outbuildings were damaged. He couldn’t call Shizue, his sister, who lived with him. He had to get back.
kuro-wagyu
san
Those within a three-kilometer radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant are instructed to evacuate, those within ten kilometers are advised to stay indoors
jika-tabi
Konnichwa
san
misohotoudon
Gochisousama desu
kumai
Koko mo dame da ne.
san
Sono uchi nan toka ni naru
san
Dou shiyou
Entry Prohibited
taikukan.
Torihiki ha kotowareta.
kesshi kyumei, danketu!Unite, save lives or die trying!
M.W. Larson is a writer, editor, and translator based out of Tokyo. His fiction and essays have appeared in Colorado Review, Ninth Letter, and Witness. mwlarson.com
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